What do Formula 1 drivers do to pass the time during travel? With 24 race weekends in a season, it is well known that drivers in the top category spend an incredible number of hours on airplanes.
They often organise to travel together, and photos of these journeys frequently appear on social media. In a recent interview with F1.com, Oscar Piastri revealed how he keeps himself entertained during these long flights.
Russell and the “family rules”
“George Russell, Alex Albon, and I had an actual world championship of UNO during the flight from Baku to Singapore. There were some fairly questionable rule decisions, or things I had never heard before in UNO, invented by someone else… mostly George. Apparently, they were family rules,” the Australian joked.
“We are always competitive about everything, us drivers. But it’s always a lot of fun,” he added.
Drivers grow up with competitiveness in their blood, which is why even games—childish or not—are treated as real challenges.
“I’ve been a competitive person since I was really small. Later, I channelled that competitiveness into racing and motorsport. I started with RC cars, won a national championship at nine years old, and the following year I began karting.”
In Formula 1 for three years, and with a teammate who has just won a Drivers’ Championship, competitiveness and the desire to win matter to Oscar Piastri now more than ever. The 2026 season promises many surprises, and it seems McLaren is not among the favourites—though everything is still to be confirmed.
The cars will hit the track for the first tests at the end of January and beginning of February, before taking part in the season opener on March 8 in Australia. Teams are also beginning to announce their launch dates: the new season is approaching fast!
As the paddock prepares for the Australian Grand Prix in March, stories like these remind us that while the 2026 regulations represent a massive technical challenge, the human element—and the rivalries forged both on and off the track—remains the heart of the sport. Whether it’s a “family rule” in Uno or a technical loophole in the new regs, you can bet these drivers will be looking for any advantage they can find.
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